Ten years ago, Southampton were a team on the rise with a super fun team, since then there have been some ups and downs. Let’s take a look at the lineup from 10 years ago.
The difference between now and then is quite staggering. The Saints are currently looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
With Russell Martin at the helm, his side are hungry for success and with the young manager, a new ideology surrounds the club.
A mixture of signings this summer saw experience in the form of Ryan Manning, joined by the youth of Shea Charles.
The current scenario isn’t too dissimilar to what it was ten years ago, other than the league.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the team of ten years ago.
Manchester United 1-1 Southampton- 19th October 2013
Cast your minds back, David Moyes is manager of United, Mauricio Pochettino is leading the Saints. It felt like these sides were opposites at the time.
Under Poch, Southampton were a side on the rise and only getting better, while the Reds were struggling after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
How did Southampton line up?
Artur Boruc started in goal as he had done for the majority of the time since the club’s promotion. Kelvin Davis started in the first season, but the Pole took his place.
The backline ahead of the keeper is prime 2010s Southampton at their best.
A back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Jose Fonte, Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw. Thinking about these four and all the things they went on to achieve away from St Mary’s is amazing.
Ahead of those was a shield consisting of Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin. At the time, as a defensive unit, there weren’t much better than the Saints.
With the combination of gyle and defensive solidity, the midfield was top-tier.
Ahead of the two defensive midfielders was a three, featuring Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Steven Davis.
These three dovetailed so well over the course of the season and caused nightmares for opposition defences.
Now for the rogue choice, Dani Osvaldo started up front at Old Trafford. He signed and set the world alight with a worldie against Man City.
In spite of that, it never really worked out for the Italian at St Mary’s and he departed the club not long after joining.
Rickie Lambert came on and was a batsman during his time in the Premier League with the Saints.
XI: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Lallana, Rodriguez, Davis, Osvaldo